Urban Transportation at a Glance
As the population grows, so does production, consumption, and transportation demand. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, the transport sector is vast and multifaceted. It heavily impacts economic activities across the nation. As of the fiscal year 2012-2013, urban transportation contributed approximately 5.2% to the national GDP, with road transportation representing a substantial share.
Regulatory Framework
The governance of urban transport is primarily executed by the Ministry of Urban Development, which operates under the provisions outlined in the National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP), 2006. This policy framework mandates that state governments oversee urban transport management while adhering to central policies. Many vital agencies collaborate to implement these policies, ensuring cohesive and efficient transport solutions across urban regions.
Key Components
- Transport Modes: Urban transportation encompasses various modes, including:
- Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS): Designed for efficient bus transit, reducing travel time and enhancing passenger experience.
- Metro Rail Projects: These projects facilitate high-capacity urban transit, providing a reliable alternative to road-based transport.
Urban transportation is particularly complex due to the different modes of transport, numerous starting points and destinations, and the diverse types of traffic. However, it enhances connectivity within the regions, allowing people to avoid road congestion and reach their destination on time.
Early History of Urban Transport in India
On April 16, 1853, India witnessed the launch of its first urban rail transit system with the introduction of commuter rail in Mumbai. The first passenger train in India ran from Bori Bunder (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) to Thane, covering a distance of 34 km in 1 hour and 15 minutes. This became India’s first suburban rail. This service laid the foundation for future rail networks in urban areas, providing a reliable means of transportation for commuters.
The Tram Era
During the early 20th century, the tram system emerged as a prominent mode of urban transport in several major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai. These tram networks were designed to provide efficient and reliable public transit, catering to the growing demands of urban populations. These systems are discontinued in Chennai, Delhi, and Kanpur, making Kolkata an exception where trams are still operated.
Different Forms and Trends in the Indian Urban Transport
| Automobiles | In India’s urban areas, private cars make up 30% of the total transport system. Around 963 new private vehicles are registered daily in Delhi. Chennai is called the “Detroit of India” for its automobile industry. The most popular brands in the automobile industry based on the market share are Hyundai, Maruti, and Tata Motors. |
| Two-Wheelers | Motorised two-wheeler vehicles are famous for their fuel efficiency. They are preferred as using them on congested roads is easy. Motorcycle manufacturing in India started with the plant establishment of Royal Enfield in Chennai in 1948. In 1949, India began manufacturing scooters by establishing Automobile Products of India (API) in Mumbai. |
| Buses | Buses are an essential means of Indian public transport. Due to their social significance, they are operated mainly by the state authorities. They connect villages and towns and are preferred by many individuals as the share of the ride is negligible. |
| Autos | Auto is a three-wheeler vehicle with a small cabin for the driver in the front and a rear seat for the passengers. Depending on the area, it is generally painted yellow, green, or black. Most cities utilise the regular metered fares to determine the ride charge. There is now a popular means of transport: electric rickshaws. They are becoming popular in India due to their environmental-friendly nature. |
| Airplanes | The Ministry of Civil Aviation controls India’s aviation industry. Air India plays a crucial role in the aviation industry, connecting India with other parts of the world and connecting different domestic regions. Over the past five years, numerous airports have been privatised. |
| Railways | The Indian Railways offers country-wide rail services. As of March 2021, the Indian railways cover more than 7,325 stations over a total route length of more than 68,080 km and track length of about 132,310 km. Vande Bharat Express is the fastest train in India. IR also transports freight such as consumer goods, fuels, raw materials, and industrial products. Due to its cost and speed of delivery, IR’s freight services cannot compete with other modes of transport. |
List of India’s Major Urban Transport
Focus on India’s Metro System
1919:
- W.E. Crum established a committee in September 1919.
- The committee recommended the development of a metro line in Kolkata, setting up the initial proposal for India’s first metro system.
1949-50:
- The Government of West Bengal submitted a formal proposal for the Kolkata Metro.
- A survey was conducted by French experts to assess the feasibility of the project.
1972:
- After a delay of 23 years, the foundation stone for the Kolkata Metro was laid.
1984:
- On 24 October 1984, the Kolkata Metro became operational, making it India’s first metro system.
Metro systems in India developed in parallel with urbanisation, as the increasing population density and infrastructural demands in major cities necessitated advanced transit solutions. As urban expansion progressed, additional metro projects were implemented to facilitate economic growth and enhance intercity connectivity, providing an efficient and sustainable mode of transportation for the evolving urban landscape.
| Operational Metro Route | 902.39 km |
| Under-Construction Route | 649.56 km |
| Approved Route | 261.03 km |
| Proposed Route | 1065.83 km |
| First Metro System | Kolkata Metro |
| Newest Metro System | Navi Mumbai |
| Largest Metro System | Delhi Metro |
| Smallest Metro System | Kanpur Metro |
| Busiest Metro System | Delhi Metro |
Operational Metro Lines
| Metro | Operator | Started | Annual Ridership | Rolling Stock | Lines |
| Delhi Metro | DMRC | 24 December 2002 | 2032.3 million | BEML, Bombardier, Alstom, Hyundai Rotem | Operational: 350.42 kmUnder-Construction: 65.20 kmProposed: 53.281 km |
| Namma Metro(Bengaluru) | BMRCL | 20 October 2011 | 232.8 million | BEML, Hyundai Rotem, Titagarh Rail Systems, CRRC | Operational: 73.81 kmUnder-Construction: 108.65 kmProposed: 79 km |
| Hyderabad Metro | HMRL | 29 November 2017 | 162.06 million | Hyundai Rotem | Operational: 69.2 kmUnder-Construction: NAProposed: 70 km |
| Kolkata Metro | KMRC | 24 October 1984 | 192.5 million | BEML, ICF, CRRC | Operational: 67.45 kmUnder-Construction: 73.8 kmProposed: 205.52 km |
| Chennai Metro | CMRL | 29 June 2015 | 110.1 million | Alstom | Operational: 54.1 kmUnder-Construction: 118.9 kmProposed: 112 km |
| Mumbai Metro | MMRC | 8 June 2014 | 273.75 million | CRRC, Alstom, BEML | Operational: 46.5 kmUnder-Construction: 146.08 kmProposed: 287.75 km |
| Ahmedabad Metro | GMRC | 4 March 2019 | 29.35 million | Hyundai Rotem | Operational: 38.63 kmUnder-Construction: 28.26 kmProposed: 7.41 km |
| Nagpur Metro | MahaMetro | 8 March 2019 | 27.38 million | CRRC | Operational: 38.215 kmUnder-Construction: 43 kmProposed: 48.30 km |
| Pune Metro | MahaMetro | 6 March 2022 | 14.66 million | Alstom, Titagarh Rail Systems | Operational: 29.1 kmUnder-Construction: 52.95 kmProposed: 129 km |
| Noida Metro | DMRC | 25 January 2019 | 16.7 million | CRRC | Operational: 29.168 kmUnder-Construction: NAProposed: 84.95 km |
| Kochi Metro | KMRL | 17 June 2017 | 31.17 million | Alstom | Operational: 28.125 kmUnder-Construction: 11.2 kmProposed: 59.16 km |
| Lucknow Metro | UPMRC | 5 September 2017 | 26.82 million | Alstom | Operational: 22.878 kmUnder-Construction: NAProposed: 85.00 km |
| Rapid Metro Gurgaon | DMRC | 14 November 2013 | 14.6 million | CRRC | Operational: 12.854 kmUnder-Construction: NAProposed: 198.99 km |
| Jaipur Metro | JMRC | 3 June 2015 | 18.12 million | BEML | Operational: 11.979 kmUnder-Construction: 2.85 kmProposed: 26.36 km |
| Navi Mumbai Metro | CIDCO | 17 November 2023 | 0.935 million | CRRC | Operational: 11.10 kmUnder-Construction: NAProposed: 86.2 km |
| Kanpur Metro | UPMRC | 28 December 2021 | 3.6 million | Bombardier | Operational: 8.98 kmUnder-Construction: 15.05 kmProposed: 8.6 km |
| Agra Metro | UPMRC | 6 March 2024 | NA | Bombardier | Operational: 5.2 kmUnder-Construction: 6.70 kmProposed: 15.40 km |
Under Construction Metro Lines
| Metro | Under-Construction | Length Planned | Construction Began | Estimated Opening |
| Bhoj Metro(Bhopal) | 27.87 km | 80 km | 2018 | 2024 |
| Indore Metro | 33.53 km | 248 km | 2018 | 2024 |
| Meerut Metro | 23.6 km | 38.6 km | 2019 | 2025 |
| Patna Metro | 16.86 km | 30.91 km | 2020 | 2025 |
| Surat Metro | 40.35 km | 40.35 km | 2021 | 2027 |
| Bhubaneshwar Metro | 26.024 km | 26.024 km | 2024 | 2028 |
Approved Metro Lines
| Metro | Length Planned | Construction Began | Estimated Opening |
| Visakhapatnam Metro | 76.90 km | 2024 | 2028 |
| Chandigarh Metro | 154.5 km | TBD | TBD |
| Vadodara Metro | 43.20 km | TBD | TBD |
| Rajkot Metro | 37.8 km | TBD | TBD |
| Thane Metro | 30 km | TBD | TBD |
Planned Metro Lines
| Metro | Length Planned |
| Vijayawada Metro | 75 km |
| Coimbatore Metro | 34.8 km |
| Thiruvananthapuram Metro | 46.7 km |
| Guwahati Metro | 61.42 km |
| Ranchi Metro | 16 km |
| Aurangabad Metro | 25 km |
The metro system in India has significantly expanded in terms of length, development in different cities, and ridership.
Source: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Challenges Faced by the Indian Metro System
- Low Ridership: A report by IIT Delhi reveals that most metro networks in India operate at less than 50% of their expected capacity. The Delhi Metro achieves around 47% of its projected ridership, while Mumbai and Kolkata hover around 30%, and Bengaluru registers a mere 6%. Despite these low utilization rates, daily ridership across all metro systems in India has surpassed 10 million, with projections to exceed 12.5 million in the near future. For example, the Delhi Metro has reported an average of approximately 67 lakh passenger journeys on weekdays, representing an 8% increase over the ridership projections for 2023.
- Faulty Planning and Execution: Issues related to detailed project reports (DPRs), such as poor planning for first and last-mile connectivity and insufficient catchment areas, contribute to low ridership.
- Lack of First and Last-Mile Connectivity: Inadequate feeder bus services present a major obstacle to accessing metro stations, with bus services available on only 44% of approved routes in cities like Delhi due to fleet shortages. This lack of reliable first and last-mile connectivity discourages potential commuters from using the metro, limiting the system’s overall effectiveness and ridership growth.
- Fluctuating Raw Material Prices
It is difficult to predict the prices of the raw materials used in metro construction. The prices fluctuate based on market demand and supply, sometimes making it costly for the contractors to fulfil the project within the assigned budget.
- Adapting to the Changing Socio-Economic Dynamics
Due to the rapid growth and development of cities, changes in technology, demography, socioeconomic conditions, and the environment all need to be taken into account. The system must adapt to changing trends through various strategies, including comfort, end-to-end connectivity options, and real-time and reliable information.
- Financial Sustainability
The construction of the metro involves high costs, and the low ridership in various cities affects the revenue of the metro in those cities. This leads to losses. Due to such situations, multiple cities face difficulties in launching the metro. Let us consider the Mumbai metro, where the operations of local trains are more beneficial to the locals. The people prefer to travel via local trains as they are less expensive than metros and people can travel long distances for just 5-10 rupees.
Benefits of the Metro System in India
- Speed and Efficiency
Metro rails are efficient and carry up to 50,000 passengers every hour. Their speed helps them cover long distances in a short period, allowing people to travel easily, safely, and quickly.
- Environment Friendly
The metro rails are electrically powered, and their operation produces zero emissions, which helps to reduce air pollution. As more and more people prefer the metro to avoid road congestion, the number of private vehicles on roads has been reduced, helping to improve the air quality of cities.
- Economic Development
The construction and operation of metro rails in cities have helped to improve their economies. The projects have attracted multiple business opportunities and new investments, helping many people get employment. The standard of living in the cities has improved.
- Social Equity
Metro rails have helped to improve social equity and reduce social discrimination. As travel has become affordable and accessible, almost everyone can use the metro as a transportation facility regardless of income and social status.
Exploring the Metrolite Projects in India
Metrolite projects, also known as light rail transit, are an urban rail transit combination of rapid transit and tram systems. As it is cost-efficient, several urban cities have utilised the metrolite system in their cities. It caters to low-ridership demand and acts as a feeder service for existing metro systems.
Approved Metrolite Projects
| Metro Projects | Lines | Stations | Length | Planned Opening |
| Jammu Metro | 2 | 40 | 43.50 km | 2026 |
| Srinagar Metro | 2 | 24 | 25 km | 2026 |
| Kozhikode Light Metro | 1 | 14 | 13.30 km | TBD |
| Chennai Light Rail | 1 | TBD | 15.50 km | TBD |
| Gorakhpur Metro | 2 | 27 | 27.41 km | 2024 |
Planned Metrolite Projects
| Metro Projects | Lines | Stations | Length | Planned Opening |
| Raipur Metro | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Delhi Metrolite | 2 | 37 | 40.88 km | 2026 |
| Rajkot Metro | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Jamnagar Metro | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Bhavnagar Metro | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Madurai Metro | 3 | 41 | 91 km | 2027 |
| Bareilly Metro | 1 | 10 | 20 km | TBD |
| Varanasi Metro | 2 | 26 | 29.23 km | TBD |
| Prayagraj Metrolite | 2 | 39 | 42 km | TBD |
| Jhansi Metro | 2 | 17 | 18 km | TBD |
| Mathura Metrolite | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Ayodhya Metrolite | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Challenges Faced by Metrolite Projects
- Cost and Revenue
The major challenge for metrolite projects is the high cost involved in the construction. The cost of construction is high, and there are high chances for the project to incur loses due to low ridership.
- Displacement and Congestion
The light rail project can lead to the displacement of local residents. It can also make streets congested, causing people to suffer from road congestion.
Benefits of Metrolite Projects
- Boost Local Economy
The Metrolite projects will provide enhanced transportation facilities to the residents and tourists and create business opportunities in the city. Besides creating employment in the construction and operations of the metrolite, the local economy will see a boost. The shops in the range of the metrolite corridor will be benefited. As the city develops, many educational institutions and commercial centres will open, leading to the city’s economic growth.
- Reduced Road Congestion
The metrolite system can reduce the number of cars on the road by providing a reliable and efficient mode of transportation. It will help to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.
A New Trend of RRTS Projects in India
Regional Rapid Rail Transit (RRTS) connects metropolitan areas with similarly sized cities and surrounding towns and cities. Its high speed enables it to cover long distances in a short period. The maximum speed of RRTS is 180 km/h, the operating speed is 160 km/h, and the average speed is 100 km/h.
The Delhi-Meerut RRTS, or RapidX, is partially operational, and the 100 m route is still under construction.
| RRTS System | Started/ Estimated Start Date | Operational Length | Planned |
| Delhi-Meerut RAPIDX | 20 October 2023 (priority corridor) | 42 km | 82.15 km |
| Delhi-Alwar RAPIDX | 2025 | NA | 199 km |
| Delhi-Panipat RAPIDX | 2028 | NA | 103 km |
| Delhi-Rohtak RAPIDX | 2032 | NA | 70 km |
| Delhi-Palwal RAPIDX | 2032 | NA | 60 km |
| Delhi-Baraut RAPIDX | 2032 | NA | 56 km |
| Ghaziabad-Bulandshahr-Khurja RRTS | 2032 | NA | 83 km |
| Ghaziabad-Hapur RRTS | 2032 | NA | 57 km |
| Ghaziabad-Jewar RAPIDX | TBD | NA | 72 km |
| Hyderabad-Warangal RRTS | TBD | NA | TBD |
| Hyderabad-Vijayawada RRTS | TBD | NA | TBD |
| Vijaywada-Amaravati-Guntur-Tenali semi-high-speed circular railway | TBD | NA | TBD |
Expected Daily Ridership on the Priority Corridors of the RRTS
| Delhi-Meerut | 7,40,000 |
| Delhi-Panipat | 5,47,000 |
| Delhi-Alwar | 9,10,000 |
Challenges Associated with the Construction of RRTS
- Land Acquisition
Due to the high population of Delhi and Meerut, it became difficult for the NCRTC to acquire land to construct RRTS. Compensation and negotiations delayed the construction and completion of the RRTS project.
- Pollution Control
As pollution in Delhi NCR is rising rapidly, smog mitigation became a huge challenge during the construction of the Delhi-Merut RRTS. Several measures, such as sprinkling water and deploying anti-smog guns, were taken to ensure a reduction in dust.
Benefits of RRTS
- Rise in Economic Activities
RRTS focuses on improving the pattern of movement and development across different regions. As RRTS offers high-speed travel, the total time to reach the destination is reduced, enhancing the region’s productivity and overall economic activities.
- Employment Opportunities
RRTS would open up new opportunities for the people of the country. With its development and commencement, new businesses and shops would open up in the regions, creating job opportunities for the people. It would also improve the people’s travel conditions.
Trams: Future of Indian Urban Transport System?
The introduction of trams in Indian cities took place in the late 19th century; however, many cities phased out the plan. The only city that implemented a tram system is Kolkata, which is still operational. After the construction of the Kolkata Metro Green Line, only 19.53 km of tram lines were operational in Kolkata.
Operational Tram in India
| System | Lines | Length | Opened |
| Kolkata Tram | 3 | 19.53 km | 1873 |
Defunct Trams in India
| System | Length | Opened | Discontinued |
| Mumbai Tram | – | 1873 | 1964 |
| Nashik Tram | 10 km | 1889 | 1931 |
| Chennai Tram | – | 1892 | 1953 |
| Patna Tram | – | – | 1903 |
| Kanpur Tram | 6.04 km | 1907 | 1933 |
| Kochi Tram | – | 1907 | 1963 |
| Delhi Tram | – | 1908 | 1963 |
| Bhavnagar Tram | – | 1926 | 1960s |
Discussing Kolkata Tram
| Route | Esplanade-Shyambazar | |
| Seats | 32 | |
| Fare | Rs. 20 | |
| Average Daily Collection | Rs. 7000-8000 | |
| Average Daily Collection from Non-AC Tram | Rs. 2500 | |
| Tram Timeline | 1873 – 1901 | Horse-drawn Trams |
| 1900 – 1951 | Electric Trams | |
| 1951 – 1990 | Nationalisation of Tramways | |
| 2013 | First AC Tram For Heritage Ride | |
| 2018 | First AC Tram Fine-Dining Restaurant | |
| 2019 | First AC Tram In Route Service | |
Recent Update on Kolkata Tram Service
| On September 29, 2024, Kolkata discontinued its tram service on all the routes except one running from Maidan to Esplanade.Trams are discontinued to ensure low traffic congestion as they are slow, and people nowadays need a faster mode of transportation. |
Exploring Some Of The Tram Systems in Asia
Trams started to be used as urban transport systems in Asia in the early 20th century. However, their use started to decline around the 1930s, and by the 1960s, most tram systems were closed. Extensive legacy tramways still exist in Japan, and more modern systems have recently been built in China.
| Country | Details |
| Indonesia | In 1869, a horse tram was started in Batavia (now Jakarta), the capital of the former Dutch colony of the Netherlands East Indies. A steam tram ran from 1881, and an electrified tram in 1897. |
| China | In 1899, Beijing had the first tram system in China. |
| Hong Kong | In 1904, the tramway system was introduced in the then-British colony. |
| Japan | In 1895, the first tramway in Japan was built. It is known as the Kyoto Electric Railroad. |
| South Korea | The South Korean capital, Seoul, had trams up until 1968. The Wirye Line in Seoul is a future tram line scheduled to open in 2025. |
Challenges Faced By Trams in India
- Higher Implementation Cost
Buses don’t need street alterations to start operating, but installing rails for tram tracks and overhead power cables requires a higher initial cost. The high costs and risks of installing tram tracks make it difficult to think of opening trams in India, as trams can be easily substituted with buses.
- Hazardous for 2-Wheelers
Bicycles on tram tracks, especially those with narrow tyres, risk getting their wheels stuck in the tracks. Tram tracks can become slippery when wet, mainly during the rainy season, making riding a bicycle or a motorcycle unsafe, especially in traffic.
Benefits Offered By Trams
- Reduced Road Congestion and Pollution
Trams are more efficient to use as they can accommodate up to four cars. They reduce the use of private vehicles, allowing the city to look well-maintained and traffic-free.
- Environmental Friendly
Trams are a sustainable option compared to cars and buses. They accommodate a large number of people and also reduce air and noise pollution in the city. Using stell wheels in the trams is environmentally sustainable as they can be recycled more easily than the rubber tiers.
Bullet Trains: Finding Their Way in the Indian Urban Transportation
During the 1980s, India proposed bullet trains that run up to 250 km/h. Since then, initiatives have been taken to do pre-feasibility studies, prepare project reports, and predesign documents by multi-national engineering companies and countries (e.g., Japan, Spain, France, etc.). They continuously worked towards finalising costs, selecting the right technology, and starting construction work.
In February 2016, National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) was established to finance, construct, maintain and manage all high-speed rail corridors in India. NHSRCL was formed with equity participation by the Central Government through the Ministry of Railways and Gujarat and Maharashtra state governments.
| Operational: 0 km | Under Construction: 324.67 km | Approved: 183.50 km | Proposed: 6668 km |
| Route | Length | Stations Planned | Status |
| Mumbai – Ahmedabad | 508.17 km | 12 | Under Construction |
| Delhi – Varanasi | 865 km | 12 | DPR Preparation |
| Delhi – Ahmedabad | 886 km | 12 | DPR Preparation |
| Mumbai – Nagpur | 741 km | 12 | DPR Preparation |
| Delhi – Amritsar | 465 km | 13 | DPR Preparation |
| Mumbai – Hyderabad | 711 km | 11 | DPR Preparation |
| Chennai – Mysore | 435 km | 9 | DPR Preparation |
| Varanasi – Howrah (Kolkata) | 760 km | 10 | DPR Preparation |
| Hyderabad – Bangalore | 618 km | TBD | Proposed under the National Rail Plan |
| Nagpur – Varanasi | 855 km | TBD | Proposed under the National Rail Plan |
| Patna – Guwahati | 850 km | TBD | Proposed under the National Rail Plan |
| Amritsar – Pathankot – Jammu | 190 km | TBD | Proposed under the National Rail Plan |
Challenges Faced by Bullet Train
- Technical Difficulties
High-speed rail technology demands specific technical knowledge and experience. For instance, there is a requirement for significant tunnelling and bridge building to utilise the challenging terrain for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad route. Training indian engineers and managers for the project becomes difficult.
- Cost and Affordability
The construction of bullet trains requires a large sum of money. Due to their expensive tickets, a large proportion of the population may not be able to afford them.
- Political Differences
The implementation, construction, and operations of the bullet trains see a delay due to political differences. Any two cities with different political parties see differencing thoughts in the bullet trains and thereby delays the approval of the project.
Benefits of Bullet Train project
- Support to Make in India
Bullet trains utilize Japanese technology and components made in India, providing support to the Make in India campaign of India.
- Time Efficiency
Travel times can be decreased by bullet trains because of their rapid speeds. A bullet train, for example, can cover the distance between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in less than three hours, whereas a standard train would take seven or eight hours to complete the same distance.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project: Key Progress Updates
| Land Acquisition | As of late July 2024, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project has achieved 100% land acquisition. This encompasses approximately 1,390 hectares across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra and Nagar Havel. |
| Construction Progress | Pier Foundations: Pier foundations have been completed for 341 kilometers of the rail alignment.Pier Construction: Pier construction is completed for 324 kilometers.Girder Casting and Launching: Girder casting has been completed for 231 kilometers, while girder launching has been achieved for 200 kilometers.Track Laying: The laying of rail tracks is actively underway, further advancing the project’s timeline for completion. |
| Tunneling and Bridges | The first 350-meter mountain tunnel near Zaroli Village in Valsad, Gujarat, has been successfully completed. Additionally, a total of 11 river bridges have been constructed, including the recently completed bridge over the Kaveri River in Navsari district on August 25, 2024. In total, 24 river bridges are planned, with 20 located in Gujarat and 4 in Maharashtra. |
| Station Development | Construction is progressing at eight high-speed rail stations—Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Anand, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati. Foundation work is completed, and various slabs are being cast across the stations. |
| Undersea Tunnel | Work has started on India’s first undersea rail tunnel, a 7 km segment that forms part of a 21 km tunnel between BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex) and Shilphata in Maharashtra. |
| Noise Mitigation Measures | To address noise pollution, over 1,75,000 noise barriers have been installed along approximately 87.5 kilometers of the viaduct. These barriers, which stand up to 3 meters in height, are particularly in densely populated regions to mitigate noise from the high-speed rail operations. |
Standard Requirements to Enhance the Urban Transportation
- Encourage Green Mobility
There is a need to encourage the use of bicycles, e-rickshaws, and electric vehicles. The use of micromobility systems like electric bikes and e-scooters for short trips can be a small step to enhance the sustaineblt transport system in India.
- Public Financing
It is important to allocate the resources to the transport authorities for sustainable mobility. The budgets are ill-equipped to meet such huge capital expenditure. To smoothen transportation, correcting the imbalance between funds and investments made for the urban transportation system is necessary.
- Involvement of Private Firms
The involvement of the private sector is crucial for financing and managing urban transport services in the city. Due to the scarcity of public funds and expertise, the PPP (Public Private Partnership ) route has been proposed in the recent past for funding and implementing urban transport projects.
Conclusion
India’s urban transportation system is evolving rapidly to meet challenges such as a growing population and diverse mobility needs. While significant progress has been made with initiatives like metro systems, metrolite projects, and the introduction of bullet trains, challenges such as financial sustainability, land acquisition, and public acceptance have remained a significant concern for the authorities. Promoting green mobility, encouraging public-private partnerships, and enhancing funding mechanisms are essential for a more efficient and environmentally friendly transport network. By addressing these issues, India can create a sustainable urban transport system that supports economic growth and improves the quality of life for its citizens.
